Chocolate Chip Muffins

Delicious, on a Lazy Saturday Morning

I don’t know what you serve for breakfast on a lazy Saturday morning. I serve a variety of things depending on my mood and motivation. On days I feel extremely lazy, muffins are always my best bet. They are so easy to mix, taste really nice and all children love them. I am yet to come across one who doesn’t like muffins. I am currently building a repertoire of muffin recipes, so brace yourself for many more muffin posts.

I have made these muffins so many times I have lost count. Today I made them for afternoon tea. I ate them straight out of the oven. The whole house is currently filled with this delectable aroma. I wonder whether I’ll eat dinner tonight. It’s never such a good idea to have tea in the afternoon. It either spoils your appetite or adds inches to your already bulging waistline. This year, I had hoped I would shed four inches off my waistline, but my dear friends I’ve discovered that blogging and shedding off four inches don’t exactly go together. You have to taste what you cook right? and you have to ensure the recipe is fully tested by trying it several times, right? Perhaps I should resort to posting only healthy food? I love baking and I don’t see myself stopping soon, maybe I should recruit a group of taste testers? If you happen to live near me, and would like to be one of my taste testers, please contact me (myfavouritepastime(at)yahoo(dot)com). Otherwise I wish you all a happy week and I hope you enjoy the muffins, the way we did. And by the way what did you buy during Black Friday (a 70” TV?? I saw several people falling over TVs…it was quite amusing).

Please always assemble ingredients before you start Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-hole, medium, muffin tin (pan) with paper cases or brush with melted butter or oil or spray. I made six muffins with paper cases and six without.

Sift the flour, custard powder and baking powder into a bowl

and stir in the sugar.

Make a well in the centre.

In another bowl, whisk together the two eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla essence (extract).

Until well blended

Pour the liquid ingredients into the well

and mix until just combined.

Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.

Spoon mixture evenly, into the prepared the muffin tin (pan). Top evenly with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips.

A close up of muffins topped with chocolate chips

Bake 15-25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.. Stand for 5 minutes, then loosen, carefully, with a flat bladed knife. I baked the muffins at 400°F (200°C) for 22 minutes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or (Convection 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-hole, medium, muffin tin (pan) with paper cases or brush with melted butter or oil or spray. I made six muffins with paper cases and six without. I love the way muffins brown on the outside.

Sift the flour, custard powder and baking powder into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre.

In another bowl, whisk together the two eggs, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla essence (extract). Pour the liquid ingredients into the well and mix until just combined. Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.

Spoon mixture evenly, into the prepared the muffin tin (pan). Top evenly with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips. Bake at 375°F (190°C) 15-25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand for 5 minutes, then loosen, carefully, with a flat bladed knife and transfer onto a wire rack to cool.

**I weigh the flour and butter, I do not use cup measures as the weight of a cup of flourtends to vary based on individual interpretation, size of cup or publication, (from 125g to 130g to 155g per cup).

Cup measures based on assumption that 1 cup = 125g flour so that would be the US cup of 240ml, not the Australian Cup.

Points to note:

Please note that oven temperatures are given as a guideline only. You may need to add or reduce the suggested temperature depending on your oven. I baked the muffins at 400°F (200°C) for 22 minutes.

I baked the muffins in a convection oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. (14 October 2015)

I always weigh ingredients, especially the flour and butter. You can use cup measures, but please note if you scoop flour directly from the bag you will end up with 150-185 g of flour instead of the recommended 125g. I suggest you spoon the flour into the cup, heaping it up over the top, then slide a knife across the top to level off the extra. Be careful not to shake or tap the cup to settle down the flour or you will have more than you need. You can also sift the flour first then scoop. My best advice: please use a weighing scale

I baked half with paper casesand half without paper cases. I love muffins without paper cases, they always look so nice and golden brown and tasty.

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68 thoughts

I just wanted to say that I couldn’t stop thinking about these muffins after I had seen them and finally gave in and made them last night. I subbed cocoa powder for the custard powder. They are absolutely delicious! Thanks so much for posting this lovely recipe!

Dear Selma,
Happy New Year!
I’m so glad you made the muffins and even more happy that you loved them and subbed custard powder with cocoa powder. You can also use cornstarch. I shall also try making them with cocoa powder and see the effect. Thanks you so much. Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the year 2014.
Liz

[…] mesmerizing post from an amazing baker, Liz at My Favourite Pastime. It featured rich, scrumptious chocolate chip muffins. They literally jump off the screen, begging to be baked at Casa Curls and Carrots. Liz is such a […]

Omg Shanna, thanks so much for the kind words.You make me feel so special. I hope you loved the orange chocolate ginger muffins. Thanks and take care. Hugs…Liz

Hi,
Thanks for visiting my blog, that allowed me to discover yours. I love your writing (so witty) and the photographs are beautiful.
Agree with you about blogging interfering with shedding inches. In fact it interferes with most other things in my life, kind of an addiction really: cooking, eating, write about it, cooking, eating,…but so much fun!
I will come back and visit, for sure!

Hi Voahangy,
You have a very unique name. I wonder how it’s pronounced. Thank you for loving my blog. I love yours too. I just discovered you live in a boat…how interesting. Your life must be full of fun and fantasy. One day, maybe I shall try living in a boat like you. Blogging can be an addiction. I completely understand what you mean. My friend stopped blogging the other day. She says she wants to spend time with “real people” Please come back again and I wish you a fantastic week!
LIz

Oh sure. The wheelbarrow it will be. I’ve just been reading your hilarious post about the hospital visit. Tell those internet freaks that the internet will be dead for one day to remind us of what the world used to be. And that bird posing in your sink Did you eat it??? Poor bird…Best wishes Ralph
Liz

Hi, Liz,
These muffins look great. I will be your taste tester and make them this week or weekend! 🙂 I am with you – baking is SO fun and relaxing – and blogging about it leads to more baking! As for shedding the inches – this is quite difficult when one blogs and has kids to care for and a house to run – I feel you. 😉 Black Friday: First, I broke a bracket on my braces and bent some wires thanks to the turkey and the nut pie! So, my friend went with me to the orthodontist and we stopped at our favorite thrift store on the way home. 30% off the whole store! We got tons of books for munchkins, some clothes for the kids and hubbies and some props for blogging! 🙂 Do you have black Friday in Canada?
Take good care!
Shanna xx

Hi Shanna,
Thank you for offering to be a long distance taste tester. I hope you’ll like them. I loved them. Sorry about the broken bracket although you make it sound so hilarious. Most of our thrift stores here had 50% off sales. We had games the whole weekend so I didn’t buy anything. I love buying books too and especially props for blogging. I had to buy a full Ikea “Billy” to fit all my props. We have a fake black Friday. I think prices are better there! Thanks so much for being here. Statistics show you have the most comments on my favourite pastime. I think next year I have to have some give aways. Enjoy the rest of the week. Best…Liz

Ha Ha, we have at least four good stores here. My Ikea “Billy” is bulging with props. I am so glad I could finally store them properly. They were lying all over my basement (how annoying it was!), I need more room for my pots too. We had great sales here and I bought so many pots. I wonder when I shall start cooking in them, Have a lovely day! XOXO to the boys!!!
Liz

Pots I definitely don’t need. I have my full set of copper core All-Clad my husband got me a couple years ago for our copper anniversary. Dishes is another story. I have always had a thing for China and dish ware, it is even worse now!

I gave away all my old pots. Time to restock. I need nice looking things for blog cooking. Great to know your hubby bought a full set of copper-core-all-clad. I think they’ll last many more years to come. I buy and buy and buy…I think I’ve gotta stop. Have a great day!
Liz

Hi, Liz,
I adore My Favourite Pastime and am very happy to visit. You have a warmth that radiates, plus your recipes are no-fail. It’s a win-win, right? 🙂
Your black Friday sales sound amazing – thrift stores are the way to go. I am so impressed that you have so many props! I do not have many… we know we are moving in a year and half, so I am hesitant to acquire too much stuff. How hilarious that you had to get a dresser for all of your loot! I love it! 🙂
Take good care,
Shanna

Hi Shanna,
I adore curls and carrots too. I can understand. Nobody wants to acquire so much stuff before moving. I usually recycle back items I don’t need to the same store. It’s a great way of using and giving it away for the next person. I have to buy another “IKEA Billy” before the end of the year LOL. Have a wonderful day. I’ve just seen your new post!
Liz

Dear Liz,
I suppose your Christmas gift is easy. You need another Ikea Billy! Or two! Haha. I often donate items back to my favorite thrift store, such as props or clothes the kids have outgrown, and receive a 20% off coupon. I am working on a post tonight that revolves around these decadent, delicious muffins. Take good care!
Warmly,
Shanna

Hey Shanna,
You got it gal. I hope all my relatives will somehow read this message and then I might just get an Ikea surprise ha ha. A lot of people re-gifts their X-mas gifts because they didn’t want them in the first place. I am eagerly awaiting your post, as always. I can’t wait…take care too.
Hugs,
Liz

Hi, Liz,
I am wondering if you have a craigslist or online marketplace with re-used bookshelves? I looked up what you are seeking, and it is quite reasonable – and would be SO inexpensive if found “vintage.” What is your exact town/city? Yes, your family should encourage your blogging with a Billy. You have a true gift.
Warmly,
Shanna

Oh yes we have craigslist, Kijiji and many others I suppose. I live in Guelph, ON. I have just realized my Ikea cabinet is called BESTA.I shall check out Kijiji and see if I can find something. Thanks for suggesting. Are you not asleep? I am still trying to select photos…for the next post sigh…It was not my best of photo days. Take care!
Liz

Hi Shanna,
Thanks for checking out for me. I have seen quiet a few cabinets here in Guelph (no need to ship). We also have a Free cycle Network for people who want to dispose for free. I am part of the network. I shall check that too. I am now selecting photos for tomorrow’s post. Tough job. I am glad to hear you have snow. I don’t way to think about snow right now. The water was so good today at 3C (37F). I hope the kids enjoyed the snow. Goodnight
Liz

I love the sound of your delicious muffins on a lazy Saturday morning. We are too filled with anxiety and stress these days and it seems even the weekends get caught up in the craziness! Wouldn’t it be a fun exercise to involve the family in making muffins on Saturday morning, then sitting around enjoying them with a glass of orange juice and a coffee? Sigh! I am going to get back to that! Soon. Thanks for the inspiration and also for the recipe! They look scrumptious Liz! I will look forward to more muffin recipes! I will not volunteer to be a taste tester, I’m trying to get rid of my muffin (top)! LOL Trouble is it is hanging on for dear life! Hope your week is starting out well.

Hi there Sandy,
It’s always a great pleasure to read your messages. They are so motivating. Life sure does get so busy sometimes but imagine what it would be like if we were just idle. We would probably die of boredom.
I love Saturday mornings. I always try to make a variety of goodies for Brunch then plan for a light dinner. Thank god someone invented muffins. They are great for lazy people like me. Have a wonderful week, Sandy. Worry not about your muffin top, mine are probably better risen than yours LOL. Best wishes!
Liz

Hi there Lignum,
You always make my day. I remember the episode about the “top of muffin store” it was hilarious. I have just watched it again, on you tube. Thanks for reminding me about it. Have a wonderful week!
Liz

I do so love muffins! These look quite tasty. Our lazy Saturday breakfast go to is steel cut oats, healthy and we all love it. Muffins are a special treat. I try to bake when I have play dates so I have built in taste testers and don’t eat too much! It helps that I have three piggy boys to eat too! I would be your taste tester, but there is no way I could EVER live anywhere that cold!

Hi Mama D,
I love muffins especially when I’m feeling lazy. It’s good to know you have willing taste testers. They are the best because they’ll always give genuine feedback. Older people tend to have bias based on their long-developed-tastes. By Canadian standards our corner here is far much better. Not too extreme. I wish you a fabulous week and I hope the dog will be feeling better, soon. Best wishes!
Liz

Hi Afra,
How I would love to come and laze around your kitchen on a Saturday morning. One day you know, I shall be there.The world is just one round global village. I wish you a fantastic week! best wishes!
Liz

I totally understand after reading your post. I truly admire both of you you. You two have great strength and determination. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Thanks so much for being here despite all you’re going through. I have learnt a lot from you today. Best wishes!
Liz